Like most stone products, granite countertops can crack. However, doing this requires a great deal of force, usually the kind associated with a large falling body. Most granite countertops are guaranteed for more than 20 years, and barring a major disaster such as an earthquake or similar natural disaster, a granite countertop ought to last as long as the home in which it is installed. 1

Additionally, they can be templated to accept the customer’s new or existing hardware. Granite kitchen enhance the environment with the enduring quality of natural stone and they are practically impervious to the hazards of an active kitchen. Granite density lends itself to repelling stains, and is further fortified with the application of an additional impregnating sealer. The finish on a granite countertop is actually polished with diamonds - the only material in the world hard enough to do so, and with normal use, will never wear or fade. Replacing an existing countertop with granite countertop is a prudent and wise decision and one that will pay dividends for years to come. 2

Durability—Granite is the toughest natural stone material on the market, period. In fact, no other stone can touch it. The reason granite is preferable to other stone countertop options is primarily due to its high natural density. Most natural stone is highly porous— meaning it naturally soaks up moisture and stains, be it coffee, water, wine, or your Grandma’s famous spaghetti sauce. That’s not exactly a desirable attribute when it comes to countertop material. Granite, on the other hand, is dense enough to withstand

most affronts that are part and parcel to normal kitchen and bathroom use. Furthermore, the dense nature of granite also makes it less susceptible to scratching and cracking than most other natural countertop materials. 3

While granite is an igneous rock and is highly resistant to heat, constantly exposing a granite countertop to heat will wear away at it, and can cause it to break over time. Usually, people with granite countertops in their kitchen take pans right off the fire, and place them on their countertop. Eventually, a countertop treated this way will crack, or at the very least, develop pan burns on its surface. 4

A granite countertop is virtually indestructible. Granite countertops are scratch, stain and heat resistant making for a perfect kitchen countertop surface. Granite is also an excellent countertop material for your bathroom vanity. Granite countertops can be polished to a natural high shine or honed to have a more rustic look. Either way, compared to other solid surface material, there is no comparison in durability or cost for the beauty granite countertops will add to your home. Standard dimension as follows : 96×26x3/4′ 98×26x3/4” 100×26x3/4′ 100×36x3/4′ 100×41x3/4′ 37×37x3/4′ . 5

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins. 6

Granite is a completely natural product of the Earth. It has been used in homes for thousands of years and is safe for your home. Furthermore, Stonemark granite, which is protected by PermaShield, is NSF Certified andi s a safe material for use in kitchen countertops in commercial and residential environments. 7

Whilst it might be tempting to use your usual domestic cleaning products on a granite countertop - it is not to be recommended. One of the major reasons why granite countertops can look worn and dull is because people have been using ordinary domestic cleaning products on them. Despite being a very durable natural stone - granite is susceptible to attack by chemicals such as strong acids and alkalis. 8

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material. 9

Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. Granite is a natural material made of very hard igneous rock that is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamonds. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant. Easy to care for and much desired for its natural beauty, granite is an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation. In most cases, granite countertops fall within the same price range as other high-end surfacing materials. 10

Granite tile kitchen countertops are ridiculously easy to maintain, and while other countertop materials usually require some form of protective coating like varnish, polished granite remain a slick and smooth finish without any additional chemical coating. Check the warranty, but granite tiles should remain stain free with just a little cleaning. Usually, applying a wet rag to a granite countertop is enough to restore it’s shine. Persistent stains can be removed using products specifically designed for the job of granite cleaning. 11

If you are sealing granite or natural stone kitchen counters, look for an oil repellant impregnator. An oil resistant impregnator will only slow the absorption of oil while an oil repellant impregnator will keep the oil from entering the stone. All of them work well to protect stone. Some repel water better and others oil. 12

Important note - do not use ammonia based cleaners on a stone tile countertop. Ammonia based products, if used over time will dull that brilliant finish. If you are unsure about the cleaning product you are using, then play it safe and purchase cleaning products specifically designed for granite tiles. Buy a stone cleaning product here, or buy it elsewhere. The most important thing is to absolutely avoid using ammonia based cleaners on a granite slab or tile kitchen countertop. 13

Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. 14

One last thing There’s no disputing the fact that granite tile kitchen countertops increase the resale value of any home. It’s obvious that the kitchen is one of those deal-maker rooms when it comes to home sales - second only perhaps, to master bathrooms. Cut granite is more expensive than other tile materials, but because of it’s durability, its value is not depreciated over time when properly cared for. 15

References
1. www.kitchen-counter-tops.net
2. www.amerigranite.com
3. www.servicemagic.com
4. www.kitchen-counter-tops.net
5. www.fuzing.com
6. www.kitchendesignersideas.com
7. www.stonemark.com
8. www.onlinetips.org
9. www.kitchendesignersideas.com
10. www.marblecityca.com
11. kitchen-remodeling-pictures.com
12. georgiagraniteassociation.com
13. kitchen-remodeling-pictures.com
14. www.kitchendesignersideas.com
15. kitchen-remodeling-pictures.com